Fun Day

We took a family day and took Carli to Dan Nicholas Park.  That has to be the coolest park I have ever been to!

First up, we rode a small train.  It was interesting, but Carli liked riding it.  It rode through the woods and we saw stuffed animals.

Then we walked through the animal exhibits.  There were foxes, black bears (that were really fun to watch) and various birds.  Carli knew a little about bald eagles, so it was cool that they had one. 

Next up, was a ride on the paddle boat.  Since Joe doesn't like water, it was all Mommy and Carli.  That was rough work.  Carli liked riding around and seeing the ducks.  We rode for about 20 minutes until I couldn't do anymore.

"Don't hit the dock!"

You think she worked hard?

After a picnic lunch, Carli wanted to play on the playground for a bit.  She enjoyed the swing the most.

Next up, was the splash pad.  I wonder if Carli didn't enjoy this the most.  It would have been fun after the HOT day that it was.  I got some of the best pictures of her playing in the water.

 Finally, she got to ride the carousel.  She loves to ride them!

 This was a great day.  We might to go there again.

Bye, Bye, Tonsils and Adenoids

With Carli's last sore throat, the doctor thought she might need her tonsils out because there didn't seem to be much room in her mouth for them.  After a trip to an ENT, he agreed.  So off we went to the Medical Center to have both her tonsils and adenoids taken out.

We had to be at the hospital EARLY in the morning.  We literally took her out of her bed and went to the hospital.  After taking her vitals, Carli sat back and waited.

The nurse gave Carli a gown and a cute little hat.  Carli thought it was the funniest thing.

Shortly after this picture, Carli began to get really scared.  She began to cry and begged to go home.  Joe took her for a walk to the end of the hallway to calm her down.  Finally, it was time to go to the operating room.  The nurse carried her while they wheeled her bed to the OR.

After what seemed like hours (actually less than thirty minutes), we were told the surgery was over.  Then I had to wait forever to be allowed to go back to her.  When I got there, it was awful!  When she came out of anesthesia, she began to scream and thrash about.  Nothing would calm her down. I tried and tried.  Finally, Joe was allowed back and that seemed to calm her down.  She was so drugged up she couldn't even keep her eyes open to eat the "purple" Popsicle they brought her.

After the drugs began to wear off, she got sick from the anesthesia.  Purple  Popsicle went everywhere, including on Nite-Nite.  This upset her.  It didn't take long for this to wear off and she was happy and comfy sitting in the chair watching cartoons until they let her go home.

Finally, about 10:00, they let her go.  The nurses gave her a cute bear to take home with her.Then came her favorite part, the ride to the car in the wheel chair.  She was so funny.  She wouldn't even touch the ground while getting out of the chair and into the car.  The nurses were great!

 When she got home, she must have been feeling pretty good.  She ate a yogurt smoothie, several cheese doodles (daddy gave them to her) and half a strawberry/yogurt popsicle.  The hardest part became giving her the pain meds.  They tasted AWFUL!  We struggled every day giving it to her.

The day after surgery, Carli went to the open check out at the library.  Here, Mrs. Strange is reading with her.

After her pain meds kicked in one morning.  Girl loves to take selfies.

Found she really liked icees.

Patriotic Picnic Palooza for "Phamalies"

Today, we celebrated the Fourth of July with friends and families from church.  Miss Sam rented a water blow up and had several water toys for the kids to play with.  After playing, Del cooked hamburgers and hot dogs for everyone.  It was a great night!

Father/Daugther Dance

After all of us being sick this week, everyone got well so Carli and Joe could have their date at the Father/daughter.

When she got home, Carli was all smiles and happiness!  She said she and daddy had danced the Chicken Dance and "Daddy danced like a turkey."  She was also so happy because she saw Elsa, Anna, and Christoph from Frozen.

time to twirl

When she got home, she was all smiles talking about the fun, but she was ready for her milk and her bed.  She also said she hoped they could go again next year.

5: Where has the Time Gone???

Carli is five!  Can't believe it.  Seem like it hasn't been long Joe and I went to Arizona to get her.  All week, I changed my Facebook picture each day to reminisce.  Take a walk with me:


It all started five years ago with this post:

That night, we meet Carli for the first time.

First birthday

Second birthday...guess I like those messy faces

Third birthday...love those eyes

Fourth birthday

Good night, four

HELLO FIVE!

After a full day at school where they enjoyed fancy cakes (Zebra cakes), Carli opened her presents from us.  Then we surprised her with dinner at El Maguey with the whole family.

20 questions* : answered by Carli on January 8, 2015

1. What is your favorite color? pink
2. What is your favorite toy? Frozen
3. What is your favorite fruit? peaches & blueberries
4. What is your favorite TV show? Sophia
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? macaroni
6. What is your favorite outfit? Hello Kitty shirt 
7. What is your favorite game?  I'm not so sure
8. What is your favorite snack? M7Ms
9. What is your favorite animal? zebra
10. What is your favorite song? Let It Go!
11. What is your favorite book? Frozen
12. Who is your best friend? Merry & Avery & Maddie
13. What is your favorite cereal? Lucky Charms
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? run around
15. What is your favorite drink? chocolate milk
16. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? my stuffed animals & nite nite
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? blueberry muffins
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? chips from Mexican
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? a doctor


Today was Carli's party at Skate World in town.  After attending a party for a friend a few months ago, she decided this is what she wanted.  Lots of friends attended.  Carli had so much fun!

I still can't believe my sweet little baby has grown up into a beautiful five year old.  I love her more than life itself!  Happy Birthday, beautiful!